Porcinis, creminis and portobellos, oh my! With some 5000 species of mushrooms — not all edible — growing in the United States alone, it is no wonder these meaty and robust veggies have become such a staple of our diets. The recipes below suggest new and inventive ways to cook with mushrooms, while celebrating their classic earthy flavors and textures. Don’t forget that to avoid mushy mushrooms, it’s best to just wipe them with a damp towel to clean; soaking them in water will cause these porous varieties to absorb moisture and become soft when cooked.

For a light but satisfying potluck-friendly pasta salad, try Food.com’s recipe for Mushroom Orzo Pilaf. Mushrooms are the star ingredient in this dish, which is spiced with plenty of fresh garlic, sweet shallots, thyme and nutmeg. Add diced grilled tofu for an extra punch of protein.

Food 2’s in-season recipe for Mushroom and Spring Vegetable Risotto features fresh asparagus, a heaping half pound of mixed mushrooms and a splash of vermouth. This impressive dish goes perfectly with simply grilled seafood and, best of all, is ready in just over 30 minutes.